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Don’t Fall Victim To Your Cravings – 1/29/2014

Quick Pick-me-ups Might Be Slowing You Down

By Jenna Frosch, Contributing Writer

We’ve all been there. A bag of chips or a soft drink from the vending machine calms hunger pains and temporarily replenishes energy, but there are more nutritious and lasting ways to refuel at work, at home and on the run.

In a 2009 study conducted by the American Psychological Association, 69 percent of employees reported that work was a significant source of stress. Stress not only consumes energy, but it also can trigger some individuals to mollify their frustrations by taking in extra calories. Karen Silva, A.S., R.T.(R), sees that kind of stress in the cardiac catheterization lab at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose, Calif., where she works as a data and systems analyst.

“Cath labs are known for having food brought in, and it’s not always healthy,” she said. Karen takes control of her energy and stress levels by regulating what she eats. She adds extra protein to her meals to combat stress, and she noshes on an apple or an orange to give her extra oomph. She said these tricks help keep her blood sugar stable and keep her from getting too hungry.

Certified holistic health coach Anela Flores believes a little effort and preparation go a long way. “If you have a busy schedule, make sure to eat nutritious food,” Anela advised. “You’re taxing your already busy body, so you need to support your body with adequate hydration and nourishment.”

Nutritious foods can restore more than energy. When Dr. Timothy Verstynen used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the brains of 29 adults, he found that unhealthy eating choices disrupted brain connections and led to weakened brain performance.

For Anela’s busiest clients, a lack of focus and low energy levels were their primary concerns. “The first sign of dehydration is fatigue,” she noted, “so if you feel tired or don’t have energy, water comes first and foremost.”

Anela suggests including an adequate amount of green veggies and fruit in your diet to boost the vitamins and nutrients in your body. “The best tip I give my clients is to add a fruit or veggie to every meal,” she said.

Anela also recommends taking a few minutes to recharge with deep breathing exercises, which can produce the opposite of the fight or flight response. It works for Karen, who handles stress by taking short breaks to breathe deep or walk. “I find that the fresh air and movement does wonders for my head.”